A reminder that there is a dedicated COVID-19 Disability Helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call free on 0800 11 12 13 or text 8988. You can also access this helpline using the New Zealand Relay Service at bit.ly/3xRNrRd

Whaikaha, & the NZSL Board wish to acknowledge the passing of Stephanie Āwheto over the weekend. Stephanie was the first trilingual (te reo Māori, NZSL and English) interpreter in Aotearoa and helped to create and modify signs to reflect Te Ao Māori.

Seven projects have received New Zealand Sign Language Board community grants totalling nearly $250,000 to maintain and promote the use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). bit.ly/3zNdN7O

We join the disability community in Aotearoa New Zealand we acknowledge the passing of Dr Pauline Boyles. whaikaha.govt.nz/news/news/ackn…

The Halberg Foundation has announced the new Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award to honour those individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on disability sport in Aotearoa. Nominations close at 8pm on 1 December 2024. halberg.co.nz/halberg-awards…

Disability Support Services wants your feedback on how services should best be provided in the future. disabilitysupport.govt.nz/taskforce/comm…

We acknowledge the passing of Kaumatua Maaka Tibble MNZM (Ngāti Porou). You can read the tribute from our Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero MNZM on our website. bit.ly/3AgE9zC

The Disabled Artists Theatre Festival (DAT Fest) returns for its third year from November 2 to 17 at Te Auaha in Wellington. For tickets, workshop registration and transport options visit their website. datfest.nz

Tomorrow (Tuesday 12 November) a formal public apology will be made to survivors of abuse in care at Parliament by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon. You can livestream the event from 9:45am. bit.ly/3Aq30Bf

Today has been an important and challenging day for survivors, disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori and tāngata Turi across Aotearoa. Our Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero has a message in support of these apologies and to acknowledge the survivors. bit.ly/3UNMkuf

Today Whaikaha supported Vaka Tautua to bring together members of the Pacific disability community & supporters to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was an opportunity to celebrate Pacific leadership & acknowledge the innovation in the sector.

We are currently recruiting for the role of Deputy Chief Executive, Outreach and Innovation. For alternate formats and more information visit our website. bit.ly/4heqEjU

Disability Support Services (DSS) is launching a community consultation soon (10 Feb) and as part of the consultation, there will be in-person and online workshops across the country which you can register for now. bit.ly/3EeG6ON

New disability stats of vital importance. bit.ly/41iLZSB

Paula Tesoriero MNZM, Chief Executive of Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People – Ministry of Disabled People, highlighted the barriers that inaccessible digital systems create and the transformative potential of digital inclusion.

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is consulting on their passenger safety briefings and has been working with Whaikaha on getting this out to the disability community. bit.ly/3DyQLDR

There is still time to have your say on the future of Disability Support Services (DSS). The consultation closes on Monday 24 March 2025 at 5 pm. bit.ly/3EeG6ON

We've opened consultation on the Government’s draft New Zealand Disability Strategy. Watch here: youtu.be/svthnU8pzUo Read the details at whaikaha.govt.nz/disability-str… Visual description: Whaikaha CEO Paula Tesoriero shares news of the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy.